Sheriffs win round in court over salaries

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- An Illinois appellate court has ruled for county sheriffs who seek to restore salary cuts imposed by state lawmakers.

The Quad City Times reports the 5th District Appellate Court overturned a Franklin County judge's dismissal of a complaint that Gov. Pat Quinn and the General Assembly failed to budget the full amount of a state stipend.

Sheriffs in 101 Illinois counties, but not Cook County, were to receive a $6,500 yearly stipend from state in addition to their county salaries. The Legislature allocated only $4,196 for each sheriff in 2010 and 2011.

Former Rock Island County Sheriff Mike Huff sued for the missing $2,304, arguing the state cannot change the salary of an elected official while they are in office.